It did happen and to pretend it didn’t happen is to deny the truth
no, it actually didn't..there are many and varied reasons why a legitimate marriage didn't take place, and a group of people study the particulars and make a decision.
what if it is found that the couple were first cousins?.....what if one or the other people had entered into a previous marriage....what if the husband, or the wife were incapable of consummating the marriage.....what if either one stated that they were unwilling to have children....wwhat if one or the other were still bound by a vow of celebacy or chastity...